Most homeowners picture termite swarms as an April or May event. On the Gulf Coast, a mild winter can push the first flights into February — and by the time you notice discarded wings on a windowsill, the colony that produced them has usually been active for years.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and reach structural wood through mud tubes along the foundation. They feed out of sight, which is why the average repair bill runs into the thousands and why most homeowners insurance won’t cover it. The damage is done quietly, over seasons, not weeks.
What to check before swarm season
Walk the perimeter of the house and look low: pencil-width mud tubes running up the foundation or a pier, wood that sounds hollow when you tap it, and floors or trim that feel soft near a bathroom or an exterior wall. Inside, discarded wings near windows and doors after a warm afternoon are the clearest early signal.
Why timing matters
A swarm is a colony reproducing — it means the infestation is mature. Catching activity before the swarm, during a routine inspection, is the difference between a barrier treatment and a barrier treatment plus structural repair. If your last WDO inspection was more than a year ago, late winter is the time to schedule the next one.
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Is the initial inspection really free?
Yes. Every property starts with a full, no-obligation inspection so you know exactly what we find before any treatment begins.
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